Elemental Instruments

Western myth holds that the process of transformation of a single, formless Life Force into a differentiated and actual power of consciousness occurs by four Ways. We have already discussed how this process looks from the standpoint of the Macrocosm. Let us speak of it from the standpoint of the Psychocosm as well. In order for the mind to actualize its potentials, it needs anchor points. In fact, this means that any realization needs a “seed,” a scheme according to which the process will further unfold. It is well known that the process of crystallization proceeds much faster and more reliably if one drops a small crystal into a supercooled (or supersaturated) liquid: that crystal serves as an anchor point — a model that greatly facilitates further crystallization. In the same way, a mind that has experience with a certain kind of realization can more easily actualize its potentials if the scheme of their realization resembles an existing template. Moreover, the more “schematic,” that is — the more generalized and universal — such a “center of crystallization” is, the greater the number of realizations that can rely on it.

The use of Anchor Points is the core of Magic and a universal means of facilitating all actualizations. Accordingly, Magi, gods, elves, and all other beings interested in effective realizations of any sort have long sought such objects that would reduce the energy cost of realization to a minimum. Any process of realization includes four modes of being: primary formation, reception of external influences, self-existence, and the capacity to affect other objects. Accordingly, at the level of the world as we know it, Power can be: 1)induced; 2)perceived; 3)diffused; and 4) condensed. The quaternary that describes these modifications — the Tetragrammaton — is equally suitable for describing processes in both the Macro- and the Psychocosm. Accordingly, objects capable of easing any process of actualization come in four kinds: 1) Symbols of authority (rod/staff, etc.), 2) Vessels (Cup/Cauldron, etc.), 3) Weapons (Sword/Spear, etc.), and 4) Symbols of value and worth (Coin/Means of payment). The magical objects of the Fairies, the Holy Grail, the Spear of Destiny, the Symbols of Authority of the Magi, and the Great Seals — all these are objects on which the mind relies in its realizations. It does not matter whether one speaks of Macro- or Psychocosmic realizations. For example, a Rod can be used with equal effectiveness to govern winds, to command (to assert Authority) spirits, or to direct the mind’s cognitive activity (the principle of intelligence). Note that paired active and passive principles can overlap or replace one another; the principle of Fire includes both primary activity and an element of destruction, while the principle of Air includes both an element of union (above and below) and of separation (sky from earth). Therefore both Sword and Rod can be associated with Fire as well as with Air. Similarly, Earth includes both receptivity (nurturing seeds, etc.) and support, and Water can be both a solvent and a source of nourishment. This fact is reflected in the two quaternaries of the Western system (“Ezekiel” and “Ionanna”). Thus, each time one uses a particular object of power, one must clearly understand its purpose in that realization and which of its properties the mind is relying on in that case. For example, if we speak of the cognitive process, it can be activated by either the Sword or the Rod, since both can help to differentiate — that is, to separate objects, thoughts, or ideas. However, if we want to emphasize an idea most strongly, the principle of the Sword will serve us better; if we want to establish an idea within our sense of self, then the Rod will. Similarly, receiving an idea intended for fruitful influence is better aided by Earth and the Sickle, while harmonizing the mind is better aided by Water and the Cup. This understanding is especially important when performing cyclical rituals — Kol — because their effectiveness largely depends on correctly matching the kind of activity with the type of support. However, a Magus relies on the Sword whenever he wishes to cut something away most effectively — either to remove it from his life, to separate it with precision, or to initiate individual movement; the Magus uses the Cup to receive, hold, harmonize, or cleanse; the Magus uses the Rod to assert, decree, enliven, or inspire; the Magus relies on the Sickle to redeem, condense, or make something his own. Proper use of the Elemental Instruments allows one to significantly increase the effectiveness of realizations, and therefore to optimize one’s path.